Adaptor

ABSTRACT

An adaptor for, and a method of, interfacing a substantially planar solar energy collecting panel with curved roof tiles having an arcuate cross-section. An adaptor comprising a substantially rectangular body. An underlapping flange and an overlapping flange extend one from each side edge, and a portion between the underlapping and overlapping flanges is recessed from the front face of the adaptor. The underlapping and overlapping flanges are configured to cooperate with side overlapping and underlapping flanges of a solar energy collecting panel respectively. The recessed portion is configured to receive, into contact with a surface of the recessed portion, a downwardly depending edge of a curved roof tile that is located to extend over the underlapping flange or over the overlapping flange and also over an upwardly depending edge of another curved roof tile.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from European Patent Application No. 07 251 912.7, filed 9 May 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an adaptor for, and a method of, interfacing a substantially planar solar connecting panel with curved roof tiles having an arcuate cross-section.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is known to provide a roof structure with a solar energy collecting panel. In some applications, the solar energy collecting panel is mounted upon a roof structure covering. In other applications, the solar energy collecting panel is mounted as part of a roof structure covering. It is known to provide a weather resistant seal between a solar energy collecting panel and a roof tile.

Some roof tiles have flanges that are configured to cooperate with flanges of like roof tiles. Some solar energy collecting panels have side flanges for co-operating with flanges of a roof tile of this type. Some roof structure coverings are provided by curved roof tiles that have an arcuate cross-section and do not have side flanges for co-operating with like roof tiles. When mounting a solar energy collecting panel of the type having flanges as part of a roof covering provided by curved roof tiles that do not have flanges, a problem exists in providing a satisfactory interface between the solar energy collecting panel and the curved roof tiles.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adaptor for interfacing a substantially planar solar energy collecting panel with curved roof tiles having an arcuate cross-section, said adaptor comprising: a substantially rectangular body having a front face, a rear face, a first side edge, a second side edge, an upper edge and a lower edge, an underlapping flange extending from a first of said first side edge and said second side edge, an overlapping flange extending from the second of said first side edge and said second side edge, and a recessed portion recessed from said front face between said underlapping flange and said side overlapping flange, said recessed portion having an upper end and a lower end; said underlapping flange is configured to cooperate with a side overlapping flange extending from a side edge of a solar energy collecting panel, said overlapping portion is configured to cooperate with a side underlapping flange extending from a side edge of a solar energy collecting panel, said recessed portion is configured to receive, into contact with a surface of the recessed portion, a downwardly depending edge of a curved roof tile that is located to extend over said underlapping flange and over an upwardly depending edge of a second curved roof tile; and said recessed portion is configured to receive, into contact with a surface of the recessed portion, a downwardly depending edge of a curved roof tile that is located to extend over said overlapping flange and over an upwardly depending edge of a second curved roof tile.

An adaptor further comprising an upper underlapping surface extending from said upper edge, and a lower overlapping surface extending from said lower edge, said upper underlapping portion is configured to support a portion of a solar energy collecting panel located upon said upper underlapping portion, and said lower overlapping portion is configured to be located upon a portion of a solar energy collecting panel.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of interfacing a substantially planar solar energy collecting panel with curved roof tiles having an arcuate cross-section, said method comprising the steps of: obtaining a substantially planar solar energy collecting panel with a side underlapping flange and a side overlapping flange; arranging a first plurality of adaptors in a cooperating arrangement in an underlap row, arranging a second plurality of adaptors in an underlap column, locating said solar energy collecting panel array such that a portion of said solar energy collecting panel array is located upon underlapping portions of said first plurality of adaptors, and said side overlapping flange cooperates with underlapping flanges of said second plurality of adaptors; arranging a third plurality of adaptors in a cooperating arrangement in an overlap row such that said side underlapping portion cooperates with overlapping flanges of said third plurality of adaptors, and arranging a fourth plurality of adaptors in an overlap row, such that overlapping portions of said fourth plurality of adaptors are located upon said solar energy collecting panel array.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an adaptor in use;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the adaptor of FIG. 1 in further detail;

FIG. 3 shows an adaptor located to interface a first side of a substantially planar solar collecting panel with curved roof tiles;

FIG. 4 shows an adaptor located to interface a second side of the substantially planar solar collecting panel of FIG. 3 with curved roof tiles;

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the interfacing functionality of adaptor 101 in further detail;

FIG. 7 shows further features of the adaptor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 shows first and second adaptors in a co-operating arrangement;

FIG. 9 shows further details of a recessed portion of the adaptor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 shows a rear view of the adaptor of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 shows steps in a method of interfacing an array of substantially planar solar energy collecting panels with curved roof tiles having an arcuate cross section;

FIG. 12 shows further steps in a method of interfacing an array of substantially planar solar energy collecting panels with curved roof tiles having an arcuate cross section;

FIG. 13 shows a second embodiment of an adaptor; and

FIG. 14 illustrates how a plurality of adaptors can be used on each of the four edges of a substantially rectangular solar energy collecting panel or solar energy collecting panel array to interface each side with a curved roof tile.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION FIG. 1

FIG. 1 shows an adaptor 101 in use, interfacing a substantially planar solar energy collecting panel, such as panel 102, with curved roof tiles having an arcuate cross section, such as roof tile 103. In an application, a solar energy collecting panel is configured to heat water for washing, bathing and heating.

Curved roof tile 103 forms part of a plurality of similar curved roof tiles that are arranged in rows, such as that indicated by arrow 104, and in columns, such as that indicated by arrow 105. The rows and columns of curved roof tiles are shown arranged to provide a covering upon a pitched roof 106.

The curved roof tiles have an arcuate cross-section. The curved roof tiles have a curvature that looks like part of an unbroken portion of the circumference of a circle (arc). The curved roof tiles do not have flanges that extend outwardly from the sides of the curved roof tiles. The tiles have a convex curvature when viewed from a first direction and have a concave curvature when viewed from the opposite second direction. Tiles of this type are available that are known as “Spanish” tiles.

The orientation of the curved roof tiles is alternated along a row. In a row, the curved roof tiles are oriented such that a first curved roof tile has upwardly depending edges and the neighbouring curved roof tile on each side has downwardly depending edges. In a row, the curved roof tiles are arranged such that downwardly depending edges extend over upwardly depending edges of an adjacent curved roof tile that is oriented in the reverse orientation. In this way, the curved roof tiles are arranged to interlock.

The orientation of the curved roof tiles is maintained along a column. In a column, the curved roof tiles are arranged such that the upper end of curved roof tile underlaps the lower end of the neighbouring curved roof tile above and the lower end of a curved roof tile overlaps the upper end of the neighbouring curved roof tile below. In this way, the curved roof tiles in a row provide support for the next row of tiles above.

Solar energy collecting panel 102 may be located as a single unit or, as shown in FIG. 1, may form a module of a solar energy collecting panel array. An individual solar energy collecting panel may comprise a photovoltaic system, such as may be provided by photovoltaic elements, crystalline cell laminates or thin film amorphous laminates. An individual solar energy collecting panel may comprise a thermal collector of the type that utilises a heat-exchanger and a heat-exchanger fluid, such as water.

When mounting solar energy collecting panels to roof structures, it is desirable to provide or maintain a satisfactory degree of protection against the weather, when installing a solar energy collecting panel as part of a new build roof structure or as a retro-fit feature of an existing roof structure. Preferably, the roof structure presents a completely weather-tight surface.

A type of solar energy collecting panel has flanges that extend outwardly from the sides of the solar energy collecting panel. The flanges allow the solar energy collecting panel to be interlocked with a roof tile of the type that also has flanges.

However, curved roof tile 103 does not have flanges that extend outwardly from the sides of the curved roof tiles. A problem therefore exists in providing a satisfactory engagement of this type of solar energy collecting panel within a roof structure having a covering of curved roof tiles having an arcuate cross-section.

FIG. 2

Adaptor 101 is shown in further detail in FIG. 2. Adaptor 101 comprises a substantially rectangular body having a front face, indicated generally at 201, a rear face, indicated generally at 202, a first side edge 203, a second side edge 204, an upper edge 205 and a lower edge 206.

Adaptor 101 comprises an underlapping flange 207 that extends from a first of the first and second side edges 203, 204. In this example, underlapping flange 207 extends from the left side edge 203.

Adaptor 101 also comprises an overlapping flange 208 extending from the second of the first and second side edges 203, 204. In this example, overlapping flange 208 extends from the right side edge 204.

Adaptor 101 further comprises a recessed portion 209 recessed from the front face 201 between the underlapping flange 207 and the overlapping flange 208. Recess portion 209 has an upper end, indicated generally at 210, and a lower end, indicated generally at 211.

FIG. 3

FIG. 3 shows an adaptor 101 located to interface a substantially planar solar energy collecting panel 301 with a curved roof tile 302. It can be seen in region 303 that the overlapping flange 208 of adaptor 101 is configured to cooperate with a side underlapping flange 304 extending from a side edge 305 of the solar energy collecting panel 301.

The overlapping flange 208 of adaptor 101 has an uneven profile and the underlapping flange 304 of the solar energy collecting panel 301 also has an uneven profile, such that the overlapping flange 208 and the underlapping flange 304 are configured to mechanically engage and cooperate.

The recessed portion 209 of adaptor 101 is configured to receive, in contact with the surface of the recessed portion, a downwardly depending edge of a curved roof tile. In this example, curved roof tile 302 is located to extend over underlapping flange (not shown) of the adaptor 101 and over an upwardly depending edge of a second curved roof tile (not shown).

FIG. 4

FIG. 4 shows an adaptor 101 located to interface substantially planar solar energy collecting panel 301 with a curved roof tile 401. It can be seen in region 402 that the underlapping flange 207 of adaptor 101 is configured to cooperate with a side overlapping flange 403 extending from a side edge 404 of the solar energy collecting panel 301.

The underlapping flange 207 of adaptor 101 has an uneven profile and the overlapping flange 403 of the solar energy collecting panel 301 also has an uneven profile, such that the underlapping flange 207 and the overlapping flange 403 are configured to mechanically engage and cooperate.

The recessed portion 209 of adaptor 101 is configured to receive, in contact with the surface of the recessed portion, a downwardly depending edge of a curved roof tile. In this example, curved roof tile 401 is located to extend over the underlapping flange (not shown) of the adaptor 101 and over an upwardly depending edge of a second curved roof tile.

FIG. 5

FIG. 5 shows the interfacing functionality of adaptor 101 in further detail. A first curved roof tile 501 is located next to adaptor 101, on the side of the underlapping flange 207. A second curved roof tile 502 is oriented in the opposite orientation to the first curved roof tile 501. The second curved roof tile 502 is arranged such that a first downwardly dependent edge 503 is received by recess portion 209 and the second downwardly dependent edge 504 is received by the first curved roof tile 501. In this way, the second curved roof tile 502 is arranged to provide a ‘bridge’ between the adaptor 101 and the first curved roof tile 501.

FIG. 6

FIG. 6 also shows the interfacing functionality of adaptor 101 in further detail. A first curved roof tile 601 is located next to adaptor 101, on the side of the overlapping flange 208. A second curved roof tile 602 is oriented in the opposite orientation to the first curved roof tile 601. The second curved roof tile 602 is arranged such that a first downwardly dependent edge 603 is received by recess portion 209 and the second downwardly dependent edge 504 is received by the first curved roof tile 601. In this way, the second curved roof tile 602 is arranged to provide a ‘bridge’ between the adaptor 101 and the first curved roof tile 601.

FIG. 7

Further features of adaptor 101 are illustrated in FIG. 7. Adaptor 101 further comprises an upper underlapping surface 701, extending from upper edge 205 and a lower overlapping surface 702, extending from lower edge 206. The upper underlapping portion 701 is configured to support a portion of a solar energy collecting panel 703 located upon the upper underlapping portion. The upper underlapping portion presents supporting portions that allow the solar energy collecting panel 703 to be supported evenly upon the adaptor 101.

The lower overlapping portion 702 is configured to be located upon a portion of a solar energy collecting panel 704. The lower overlapping portion 702 presents resting portions that allow the adaptor 101 to rest evenly upon the solar energy collecting panel 704.

The adaptor 101 allows a solar energy collecting panel to be integrated with curved roof tiles such that the solar energy collecting panel forms part of a roof covering rather than being mounted on top of a roof covering. Thus, a solar energy collecting panel may be considered as replacing an area of curved roof tiles.

It is possible to use adaptors 101 to integrate a solar energy collecting panel having a height that is equal to or less than the height of a curved roof tile within a roof structure covering such that the solar energy collecting panel does not project above the surface. A solar energy collecting panel may therefore be considered as a substitute for an area of roof tiles, in the manner of a ‘roof window’. This feature functions to provide a satisfactory aesthetic presentation.

FIG. 8

FIG. 8 shows first and second adaptors 801, 802, each of the type of adaptor 101 in a co-operating arrangement. The underlapping flange of a first of the adaptors 801, 802 is configured to cooperate with the overlapping flange of the other of the adaptors 801, 802. In the co-operating arrangement, the recessed portion 803 of adaptor 801 is configured to receive, into contact with a surface of the recessed portion, a first downwardly depending edge 804 of curved roof tile 805. The recessed portion 806 of adaptor 802 is configured to receive, into contact with a surface of the recessed portion, the second downwardly depending edge 807 of curved roof tile 805.

FIG. 9

Further details of recessed portion 209 of adaptor 101 are shown in FIG. 9. Recessed portion 209 includes a concave profile that complements the convex profile of the arcuate cross-section of the curved roof tiles.

In an embodiment, the recessed portion is profiled to slope inwardly from a first depth indicated at 901 at the upper end 210, to a second greater depth 902 at the lower end 211. This feature functions to encourage incident water, typically rain, to flow away and prevent undesirable water accumulation.

In an embodiment, the recessed portion 209 has side walls 903, 904 that are profiled to extend in a non-parallel arrangement from a first distance apart 905 at the upper end 210, to a second lesser distance apart 906 towards the lower end 211. This feature mirrors the arrangement of the downwardly depending edges of a type of curved roof tile having the shape of curved roof tile 805 shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10

FIG. 10 shows the rear face 202 of adaptor 101 in further detail. Rear face 202 is profiled to present a channel, such as channel 101. The channel may be configured to receive a roof batten to facilitate mounting of the adaptor to a roof. In an embodiment, the channel is configured to receive a roof batten into contact with a surface of the channel along the full length of the channel. A channel may be provided to receive another type of component. In this embodiment, adaptor 101 is fabricated from clay.

FIG. 11

FIG. 11 shows steps in a method of interfacing an array of substantially planar solar energy collecting panels with curved roof tiles having an arcuate cross section.

At step 1101, a plurality of substantially planar solar energy collecting panels each having a side underlapping flange and aside overlapping flange, such as is found with solar energy collecting panel 301, is obtained. At step 1102, the receiving roof surface is prepared.

At step 1103, adaptors 101 are arranged in an underlap row. At step 1104, adaptors are arranged in an underlap column. At step 1105, solar energy collecting panels are arranged to overlap the underlap row and cooperate with the underlap row. At step 1106, adaptors 101 are arranged in an overlap column and to cooperate with the solar energy collecting panel array. At step 1107, adaptors are arranged in an overlap row and to overlap the solar energy collecting panel array. In this way, adaptors are arranged around all four sides of the solar energy collecting panel array.

FIG. 12

FIG. 12 shows further steps in a method of interfacing an array of substantially planar solar energy collecting panels with curved roof tiles having an arcuate cross section.

Once the adaptors are interfaced with the solar energy collecting panel array, the adaptors may then be interfaced with curved roof tiles. At step 1201, curved roof tiles are each arranged to cooperate with the underlap row of adaptors and another curved roof tile. At step 1202, curved roof tiles are each arranged to cooperate with the underlap column of adaptors and another curved roof tile. At step 1203, curved roof tiles are each arranged to cooperate with the overlap column adaptors and another curved roof tile. At step 1204, curved roof tiles are each arranged to cooperate with the overlap row of adaptors and another curved roof tile. In this way the sides of the solar energy collecting panel array are interfaced with rows and columns of curved roof tiles.

FIG. 13

FIG. 13 shows a second embodiment of an adaptor. Adaptor 1301 is configured to provide the functionality of adaptor 101. In this embodiment, adaptor 1301 is fabricated from plastic. In an embodiment, the adaptor is manufactured by a moulding process.

Adaptor 1301 comprises a plurality of teeth 1302 that project forwardly from within the recessed portion 1303 of the adaptor 1301 and are located towards the upper end 1304 of the recessed portion 1303. Optionally, and in this embodiment, the adaptor 1301 further comprises a plurality of teeth 1305 that project rearwardly from the rear face 1306 of the adaptor 1301 and located towards the lower end 1307 of said recessed portion. One or both plurality of teeth 1302, 1305 comprise removable teeth. The teeth function to inhibit the progress of insects or small animals for example yet may be removable to facilitate the fitting of the adaptor within a roof structure covering. The teeth do not receive a physical loading.

Adaptor 1301 is provided with a plurality of ribs 1308 along each of the side walls 1309 and 1310 of the recessed portion 1303. The ribs are angled to encourage the flow of water away from the adaptor. In an embodiment, the rear face 1306 of the adaptor 1301 is provided with ribs to strengthen the adaptor 1301.

Adaptor 1301 comprises an abutment 1311 against which a plurality of teeth of another adaptor can abut. In this example, the plurality of teeth 1302 project forwardly from the abutment 1311. In this embodiment, the adaptor 1301 defines an aperture 1312 that extends through the adaptor. The aperture provides a fixing hole to facilitate securing of the adaptor to a roof structure. For example, the adaptor maybe secured to a roof batten by means of a screw or other mechanical fastening means.

In an embodiment, the adaptor configuration allows a plurality of like adaptors to be stacked for convenient storage and transportation.

FIG. 14

FIG. 14 illustrates how a plurality of adaptors 101 can be used on each of the four edges of a substantially rectangular solar energy collecting panel 1401 or solar energy collecting panel array to interface each side with a curved roof tile 1402.

It can be seen that each adaptor 101 is configured to be integrated with curved roof tiles such that the adaptor effectively mirrors functionality of the curved roof tiles. For example, the adaptors are arranged such that rain 1403 incident upon the roof structure in the direction of arrow 1404 is encouraged to flow away in that direction by both the curved roof tiles and the adaptors.

In some applications the interfacing engagement provided by the adaptors may be inherently satisfactory. However, the solar energy collecting panel array and/or the curved roof tiles may be secured to the adaptors by, for example cement or flashings, to improve the weather resistance of the interlocking engagement.

Thus, a further advantage of the adaptor is that it provides an interface that provides for a satisfactory engagement solar energy collecting panels with curved roof tiles without requiring an adhesive material to contact the edges of the solar energy collecting panels.

The adaptor provides a mechanical connection between a side of a solar energy collecting panel and a curved roof tile. A flange of the adaptor is configured to interlock with a side flange of a solar energy collecting panel. The recessed portion of the adaptor is configured to engage with a curved roof tile by friction.

The adaptor can be fitted within a roof structure covering by a qualified roofer or person skilled in constructing a roof. It is convenient that the fitting of the adaptor does not require a different skill base from that of a qualified roofer or person skilled in constructing a roof. 

1. An adaptor for interfacing a substantially planar solar energy collecting panel with curved roof tiles having an arcuate cross-section, said adaptor comprising: a substantially rectangular body having a front face, a rear face, a first side edge, a second side edge, an upper edge and a lower edge, an underlapping flange extending from a first of said first side edge and said second side edge, an overlapping flange extending from the second of said first side edge and said second side edge, and a recessed portion recessed from said front face between said underlapping flange and said side overlapping flange, said recessed portion having an upper end and a lower end; said underlapping flange is configured to cooperate with a side overlapping flange extending from a side edge of a solar energy collecting panel, said overlapping portion is configured to cooperate with a side underlapping flange extending from a side edge of a solar energy collecting panel, said recessed portion is configured to receive, into contact with a surface of the recessed portion, a downwardly depending edge of a curved roof tile that is located to extend over said underlapping flange and over an upwardly depending edge of a second curved roof tile; and said recessed portion is configured to receive, into contact with a surface of the recessed portion,_a downwardly depending edge of a curved roof tile that is located to extend over said overlapping flange and over an upwardly depending edge of a second curved roof tile.
 2. An adaptor according to claim 1, comprising: an upper underlapping surface extending from said upper edge, and a lower overlapping surface extending from said lower edge, said upper underlapping portion is configured to support a portion of a solar energy collecting panel located upon said upper underlapping portion, and said lower overlapping portion is configured to be located upon a portion of a solar energy collecting panel.
 3. An adaptor according to claim 2, and a second adaptor according to claim 2, wherein the underlapping flange of a first of said adaptor and said second adaptor is configured to cooperate with the overlapping flange of the second of said adaptor and said second adaptor, and when cooperating, said recessed portion of said adaptor is configured to receive into contact with a surface of the recessed portion a first downwardly depending edge of a curved roof tile, and said recessed portion of said second adaptor is configured to receive into contact with a surface of the recessed portion the second downwardly depending edge of said curved roof tile.
 4. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein said recessed portion includes a concave profile that complements the convex profile of said arcuate cross-section.
 5. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein said recessed portion is profiled to slope inwardly from a first depth at the upper end to a second greater depth at the lower end.
 6. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein said recessed portion has side walls that are profiled to extend in a non-parallel arrangement from a first distance apart at the upper end to a second lesser distance apart towards the lower end.
 7. An adaptor according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of teeth projecting forwardly from said front face and located towards the upper end of said recessed portion.
 8. An adaptor according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of teeth projecting forwardly from said rear face and located towards the lower end of said recessed portion.
 9. An adaptor according to claim 7, wherein said plurality of teeth comprises removable teeth.
 10. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein said rear face is profiled to present a channel configured to receive a roof batten.
 11. An adaptor according to claim 1, fabricated from clay.
 12. An adaptor according to claim 1, fabricated from plastic.
 13. A method of interfacing a substantially planar solar energy collecting panel with curved roof tiles having an arcuate cross-section, said method comprising the steps of: obtaining a substantially planar solar energy collecting panel with a side underlapping flange and a side overlapping flange; arranging a first plurality of adaptors according to claim 2 in a cooperating arrangement in an underlap row, arranging a second plurality of adaptors according to claim 2 in an underlap column, locating said solar energy collecting panel array such that a portion of said solar energy collecting panel array is located upon underlapping portions of said first plurality of adaptors, and said side overlapping flange cooperates with underlapping flanges of said second plurality of adaptors; arranging a third plurality of adaptors according to claim 2 in a cooperating arrangement in an overlap row such that said side underlapping portion cooperates with overlapping flanges of said third plurality of adaptors, and arranging a fourth plurality of adaptors according to claim 2 in an overlap row, such that overlapping portions of said fourth plurality of adaptors are located upon said solar energy collecting panel array.
 14. A method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of: arranging curved roof tiles such that at least one downwardly depending edge of a curved roof tile is received within a recess portion of said underlap row, said underlap column, said overlap column and said overlap row.
 15. On a roof of a building, apparatus for collecting solar energy, comprising: an array of solar energy collection panels; a first plurality of adaptors according to claim 2 in a cooperating arrangement in an underlap row to interface a first side of said solar energy collection panel array to curved roof tiles having an arcuate cross-section; a second plurality of adaptors according to claim 2 in an underlap column to interface a second side of said solar energy collection panel array with curved roof tiles having an arcuate cross-section; a third plurality of adaptors according to claim 2 in a cooperating arrangement in an overlap row to interface a third side of said solar energy collection panel array with curved roof tiles having an arcuate cross-section; and a fourth plurality of adaptors according to claim 2 in an overlap row, to interface a fourth side of said solar energy collection panel array with curved roof tiles having an arcuate cross-section. 